Ray Sanderson

Ballinamallard United secured three precious points in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

Saturday’s win over Warrenpoint Town saw Whitey Anderson’s men climb out of the bottom two.

Goals from Shane McCabe and Ryan Campbell earned the win, all after Jason McCartney had missed an early penalty after Stephen Hughes handled on his goalline.

Hughes was sent off for the offence, while the Mallards also had Ivan Sproule sent off in the second half.

Ballinamallard manager Anderson said it was a massive result for his side.

“You never know how important those three points are until the next three games unfold, but it was vital that we got a win today,” he said.

“It was about ourselves and that’s the way it is for the next three games.

“We got that all important goal early in the first half. It was Shane McCabe’s first of the season and followed it up with the second.

“We had a man sent off and it became even, but I thought our defence was excellent and we nullified their threat. We did a good job.”

Warrenpoint manager Barry Gray said it was important to score the first goal today.

Saturday’s defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table – four points away from safety.

“We created a couple of half chances and hit the woodwork in the first half. Indeed we looked comfortable.But whoever scored first was never going to be beaten and unfortunately for us it was them,” Gray said.

“Their early goal in their early goal in the second half was a real sucker punch and the timing of the Ballinamallard goals was crucial for them.